Welcome to Verloskundigen Lelystad! We understand better than anyone that you want to shine during your pregnancy. And let's be honest, a beautiful, healthy glow can give you that little bit of extra self-confidence. But what if you want to imitate that natural summer tan without having to spend hours in the sun? Maybe you've thought about a spray tan, but wonder if it's safe during pregnancy. At Verloskundigen Lelystad, it's our mission to inform you as best as possible and to support you during this special time in your life. That's why we're diving into the world of spray tan and pregnancy today. We'll discuss what a spray tan entails, which ingredients to avoid, and give you tips on how to safely enjoy a beautiful tan. Let's get started!
Spray Tan During Pregnancy, Safe?
When you're pregnant, you deserve to feel your best. That's why a pregnancy spray tan can be a great option. This method gives you a beautiful, even tan without the damaging effects of UV rays.
If you’re considering a spray tan during pregnancy, it’s important to look out for certain ingredients to ensure the safety of both you and your baby. The main ingredient in most spray tans, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), is generally considered safe for external use. However, the problem can arise if DHA is inhaled or enters the bloodstream through small breaks in the skin. For this reason, it’s best to avoid inhaling spray tan particles, which can be difficult with spray tans. Instead, consider safer methods, such as lotions or mousse-based self-tanners.
Safety First: Is Spray Tan Harmful to Your Baby?
- Ingredients of Spray Tan: Most spray tans contain the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a dye that reacts with dead skin cells to create a brown tint. DHA is generally considered safe for external use and does not penetrate the skin deeply into the body.
- Inhalation of Spray Tan: A major concern is the possibility of inhaling the spray tan during application. This could theoretically be harmful as the lungs and body can absorb small amounts of chemicals. This is especially a concern if you are pregnant as your body may be more sensitive.
- Skin absorption: The skin absorbs only a very small amount of the spray tan, suggesting that the baby's exposure would be minimal. However, because there is insufficient research on the effects on pregnant women, caution is advised.
Recommendations:
- Professional Spray Tan: If you choose to get a spray tan, make sure you do so in a well-ventilated area and consider using a mask to avoid inhaling the spray. Inhaling the Spray Tan is not recommended as there is little research on the effects on pregnant women.
- Home use: Consider using self-tanners that you can apply with a glove, so that exposure to the chemicals is limited to your skin, and avoid inhaling the spray.
- Alternatives: If you are concerned, you may want to consider natural tanning methods, such as using creams or lotions specifically designed for pregnant women.
Although there are no definitive studies that show that spray tans are harmful to your baby, there is also not enough research to say that there are no risks. When you have wounds on your skin, more is absorbed through the skin and the substance enters your bloodstream in greater quantities and therefore the baby.
Ingredients in Spray Tan: What to Look For?
When you are pregnant and considering a spray tan, it is important to be aware of the ingredients in the product you are using. Here are the main ingredients to look out for:
1. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
- What is it? DHA is the main active ingredient in most spray tans. It reacts with amino acids in the upper layer of the skin to create a tan.
- Safety: DHA is generally considered safe for topical use because it does not penetrate deeply into the skin. However, the safety of inhaling DHA has not been well studied, especially during pregnancy. It is important to avoid/minimize inhalation exposure by wearing a mask or opting for a lotion or cream.
2. Parabens
- What is it? Parabens are often used as preservatives in cosmetics to extend shelf life.
- Safety: There is concern that parabens can disrupt hormones and may be harmful during pregnancy. Preferably choose paraben-free products.
3. Phthalates
- What is it? Phthalates are sometimes used to fix fragrances and increase the flexibility of cosmetic products.
- Safety: Phthalates are associated with hormone disrupting effects and are therefore best avoided during pregnancy.
4. Alcohol
- What is it? Alcohol is often used in spray tans to help the formula dry quickly.
- Safety: Alcohol is not recommended during pregnancy, it can also dry out the skin, which can be a problem during pregnancy. Avoid products with a high alcohol content.
5. Perfume (Fragrance)
- What is it? Perfume or fragrances are added to make the product smell pleasant.
- Safety: Synthetic fragrances can cause irritation and some contain phthalates. Choose fragrance-free or naturally scented products.
6. Essential Oils / Etheric Oils
- What is it? Essential oils are sometimes used as natural fragrances or for added skin benefits.
- Safety: While many essential oils are safe, some may not be recommended during pregnancy, such as rosemary and sage. Always check the specific oils in the product.
7. Allergens and irritants
- What is it? These are substances that can cause skin reactions, such as fragrances, preservatives, and dyes.
- Safety: Skin can be more sensitive during pregnancy, so choose hypoallergenic products without known irritants.
General Tips:
- Read the ingredients list carefully: Be sure to read the ingredients list and look for products that are specifically formulated for pregnant women.
- First test on a small area of skin: Before using the product all over your body, test it on a small patch of skin to see if you have a reaction to it.
- Consult your doctor/midwife: If you are unsure about a particular ingredient or product, consult your doctor or midwife.
Resume
Thank you for reading this article about spray tanning and pregnancy. We hope that you are now better informed about the potential effects and considerations of getting a spray tan during pregnancy. Although the risk of using a spray tan during pregnancy is likely to be small, especially for occasional use, caution is advised due to the potential for chemical exposure. Alternatively, lotion-based self-tanners may be considered as they are less likely to inhale particles. At Verloskundigen Lelystad, your health and that of your baby always comes first and we recommend that you do your researchand always consult with your midwife before making any decisions. Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us! Our team of midwives are always on hand to help you with tailored advice. Together, we will make your pregnancy a beautiful and safe journey. See you soon at Midwives Lelystad!
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